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PCRB diverts 102,000 pounds from local landfill

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From Enterprise Staff

The Polk County Recycle Center, operated by Polk County Recycling & Beautification, collected over 102,000 pounds of recyclable materials from November 2021 through December 2022. The amount of PET(#1) plastic collected is equivalent to about 350,000 half-liter water bottles.

Polk County Recycling & Beautification (PCRB) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. PCRB’s goals are to reduce the amount of trash entering the Polk County Landfill by offering recycling to the community, and to beautify Polk County through litter cleanup events. PCRB has one paid staff member to manage the operation. All other members are volunteers. PCRB volunteers contributed over 2,000 hours in 2022.

It is extremely rare for a non-profit organization to run a community recycling center. Most community recycling facilities are run by city and county governments. The progress made by PCRB has become an incredible success story that has been shared throughout the state. This would not have been possible without the help of dedicated volunteers, the support of the Polk County government, and support from the local community. Less than 5% of Polk County households have utilized PCRB’s recycling services, so there is a lot of potential for future growth.

PCRB also operates a recycling drop-off in Onalaska. This location opened in October. It is located next to the Citizen’s Collection Station at 416 Onalaska Loop and is open Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Polk County will provide an upgraded recycling drop-off site in Onalaska if PCRB is able to secure more community support, including more volunteers. This site is currently running at or below the minimum number of volunteers needed, and it may close occasionally due to lack of staffing. Check Facebook.com/PCRBTexas for updates.

PCRB has a variety of volunteer opportunities available, including marketing, fundraising, recycling operations, and litter cleanups. Volunteer shifts at the recycling center are up to three hours and include collecting, sorting, and baling materials. Volunteer shifts in Onalaska involve collecting and sorting materials. Volunteers generally work one shift per week or two shifts per month. For more information about volunteering, visit PCRBTexas.org/volunteer, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call or text 936-337-3315.

PCRB sold approximately 62,000 pounds of recyclable materials in 2022. The sale of those materials only generated about $4,000. Because of this, PCRB relies on grants and donations to help fund the operation and continue to provide these community services.

Please consider making a contribution to PCRB to help keep Polk County beautiful. Checks can be mailed to 10311 TX-146 Livingston, 77351, or they can be dropped off at the recycling center or Onalaska drop-off. Donations can also be made at PCRBTexas.org. Call or text 936-337-3315 for more information.

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